The Bank of Uganda (BoU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has officially handed over the refurbished Kigorobya Health Centre IV to the community on Friday, marking a significant step in improving healthcare delivery in Hoima District and the Bunyoro region.
The newly upgraded facility, which serves thousands of patients annually, now boasts modern infrastructure, advanced medical equipment, and essential utilities such as solar power and clean water.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Deputy Governor Michael Atingi-Ego emphasized the critical role the health centre plays in addressing maternal and infant health challenges in the region.
“This is not just a building; it is a lifeline poised to deliver lifesaving services to mothers, children, and families in Hoima,” Atingi-Ego said.
The Deputy Governor highlighted Uganda’s progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
Maternal deaths declined from 336 per 100,000 live births in 2022 to 286 in 2023, while infant mortality dropped from 43 to 38 per 1,000 live births.
However, neonatal mortality remains a concern at 22 per 1,000 live births.
Atingi-Ego also expressed concern over the high prevalence of teenage pregnancies in the region, noting the unique vulnerabilities faced by young mothers.
The Kigorobya Health Centre IV serves five sub-counties Bombo, Kijongo, Kapapi, Kigorobya, and Kisukuma and extends its services to patients from the Democratic Republic of Congo, underscoring its regional importance.
Atingi-Ego called for the responsible use and maintenance of the health centre and urged collective action to address climate change, protect natural resources, and ensure sustainable development, especially in light of ongoing oil and gas exploration in the region.
“The refurbished Kigorobya Health Centre is a testament to what we can achieve together,” he said, urging the community to work toward a healthier and more prosperous Bunyoro.